Actors audition for Star Wars Navajo voiceover

More than 100 line up to read roles of Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker

Published 11:25 PM MDT May 03, 2013

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. -

The Navajo nation is using an iconic movie to help preserve its language.

The movie, "Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope," will be the first major motion picture to be translated into the Navajo language, and actors lined up to read the roles of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in the American Indian language.

Organizers said the idea is to encourage the Navajo people to learn Dine or continue speaking it.

"I wanted a movie that was far reaching, cross generational. A movie for our younger generation and our elders could enjoy, and Star Wars has definitely stood the test of time," said Navajo Nation Museum director Manuelito Wheeler.

More than 100 people took their shot Friday.

"It's going to be in Navajo, so I'm going to have fun with it," said actor Tom Mark.

"Even if I don’t get a role, just to audition for something as iconic as Star Wars would be awesome," said actor Terry Teller.

"I'm auditioning for Darth Vader, so I'm very excited," said actor Loren Hudson.

Hudson is a Navajo language instructor, and his father was a Navajo code talker who used Dine to defeat the Japanese troops in World War II.

"It's something I really carry forth and something our family takes pride in doing, using our language and utilizing it," said Hudson.

Auditions continue Saturday at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Ariz. Walk-ins are welcome, and organizers said there are recorded audio tracks to assist the actors.

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